Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently concluded its annual Palestine Solidarity Week (PSW), a week-long series of events culminating in a large-scale movie screening and culminating in a significant demonstration of support for the Palestinian cause. The event, centered around the theme “From Indonesia for Palestine,” highlights a carefully calibrated approach to international diplomacy, revealing Indonesia’s evolving role within the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This initiative, while seemingly a display of humanitarian support, carries substantial strategic weight, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of soft power and its potential to influence regional narratives. The event’s focus, particularly the selection of documentary films and the concurrent planned Walk for Palestine, reveals a deliberate strategy designed to both foster public support and subtly challenge dominant international perceptions of the conflict.
The Ministry’s justification – that “Film is an instrument of soft power diplomacy” – is a pragmatic recognition of the power of visual storytelling to evoke emotion and shape understanding. This approach aligns with broader trends in international relations, where nations increasingly leverage cultural influence to achieve diplomatic objectives. The selection of documentaries like “Palestine 1920: The Other Side of the Palestinian Story,” which purported to offer a comprehensive historical account and challenge conventional narratives, is a calculated move. Such cinematic presentations are specifically designed to generate empathy and potentially alter audience perspectives. Dr. Heru H. Subolo, Director General of Information and Public Diplomacy, stated that PSW encompasses three phases of activities, indicating a sustained engagement rather than a singular, reactive response. This phased approach suggests a longer-term strategy aimed at cultivating ongoing support.
The broader context of PSW’s execution reveals several key elements of Indonesia’s foreign policy. Indonesia has consistently abstained from UN votes condemning Israel and maintains a historically neutral stance on the conflict. However, the heightened activity surrounding PSW, coupled with the planned Walk for Palestine – involving a broad coalition of stakeholders including the Foreign Minister and international organizations – signals a more assertive, publicly expressed commitment than has been previously observed. This shift aligns with increasing anxieties within Indonesia regarding regional security, particularly given the rise of non-state actors and the potential for instability in maritime Southeast Asia. The strategic importance of Indonesia’s maritime territory – encompassing key shipping lanes and fisheries – makes it a crucial player in maintaining regional security, and supporting the Palestinian cause is viewed as a contribution to a more stable and balanced regional order.
The event’s success – drawing an estimated 600 viewers across multiple sessions – demonstrates a considerable level of public engagement. The participation of Dr. Zuhair S.M. AlShun, the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, and Dr. Rayyan Abdallah, CEO of Friends of Palestine, underscores the alignment of state and civil society actors in pursuing this strategy. Their stated hope – that “collective humanitarian solidarity actions during PSW will further encourage and open up the best solutions for Palestine” – reflects a belief that sustained pressure, coupled with diplomatic initiatives, can eventually lead to tangible progress. This sentiment is echoed by other prominent figures within Indonesia's diplomatic community who consistently advocate for a two-state solution and renewed negotiations.
Furthermore, the choice of aligning with Friends of Palestine, a long-standing organization dedicated to supporting Palestinian humanitarian causes, provides Indonesia with a pre-established network and operational infrastructure. This collaboration streamlines the implementation of various support programs and facilitates direct engagement with Palestinian communities. The anticipated Walk for Palestine, involving hundreds of participants, including the foreign minister and international organizations, represents a significant public display of support, aiming to amplify the message and exert further diplomatic influence. The convergence of these elements demonstrates a meticulously designed strategy—one that transcends simple humanitarian concerns and reflects a strategic alignment with broader regional interests.
Looking ahead, the immediate impact of PSW is likely to be the reinforcement of Indonesia’s image as a supportive actor in the international community, particularly amongst Muslim-majority nations. Short-term outcomes will likely include increased media attention and public dialogue surrounding the Palestinian issue. However, the long-term significance of the event lies in Indonesia’s ability to leverage this momentum to advance its strategic goals. Over the next 5-10 years, we can anticipate Indonesia continuing to play a more prominent role in multilateral forums, advocating for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promoting regional stability. The event signals a strengthened Indonesian commitment to playing a more active role in navigating the complexities of the Middle East. The degree to which Indonesia can successfully translate this engagement into tangible diplomatic outcomes will ultimately determine its long-term influence. The utilization of soft power, carefully calibrated and consistently applied, is a powerful tool – one Indonesia appears increasingly prepared to wield.